NHS services during strike action: why your voice matters

News - 9 April 2026

Planned NHS strike action across England may affect services this April, but patients are being urged not to delay seeking care. We explain what’s happening, what it means for you, and why sharing your experience can help improve local health services.
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Recent national coverage has highlighted planned industrial action by resident doctors across England, alongside messages from the NHS encouraging people to continue seeking care when they need it.

A NHS England statement has urged patients not to delay getting medical help, even during what it describes as a “difficult” period for services.

At the same time, reporting by BBC News highlights concerns that some people may hesitate to come forward for treatment during strike action, potentially putting their health at risk.

When and where is the strike taking place?

The latest round of industrial action involves resident doctors across England.

  • The strike is taking place from 7am on Tuesday 7 April until 6:59am on Monday 13 April 2026
  • It is a nationwide walkout, affecting NHS services across England rather than specific regions

This means hospitals and NHS services in all areas of England, including Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, may experience disruption during this period.

What is happening?

Resident doctors in England are taking part in a multi-day strike following a breakdown in negotiations over pay and working conditions.

Health leaders expect disruption, particularly because the strike comes soon after a busy holiday period. However, the NHS says plans are in place to keep essential services running and to minimise the impact on patients.

Urgent and emergency care, as well as services such as cancer and maternity care, are being prioritised. GP practices, NHS 111 and emergency departments remain open.

The key message: don’t delay care

Across both national reporting and NHS guidance, one message is consistent: people should not delay seeking help.

Patients are being advised to:

  • Attend planned appointments unless contacted to rearrange
  • Use NHS 111 (online or by phone) for urgent but non-life-threatening issues
  • Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency

This reflects concerns that delaying care can lead to more serious health problems later on.

Why experiences may vary

While the NHS aims to maintain most services, people’s experiences during strike action can differ. Some appointments may be postponed, and waiting times could change depending on local pressures.

At the same time, evidence from previous industrial action suggests that essential and urgent care is usually protected, even during periods of disruption.

Share your story

Have you needed to use NHS services during recent strike action?

  • Were you able to access care when you needed it?
  • Did you feel confident about where to go for help?
  • Were your appointments or treatment affected?

Your feedback is important. By sharing your story, you can help shape local services and ensure patient voices are heard during times of change.

You can share your experience with Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough through our website by completing our survey.

Click here to complete our survey

Tell us about your experiences

NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved.

Your feedback can help services spot issues that are affecting care for you and your loved ones.

Share your views

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Getting a second opinion about your care

Second Opinions and Martha’s Rule: What You Need to Know

Sometimes you may feel unsure about a diagnosis, have questions about a treatment plan, or simply want reassurance before making a decision about your care. In these situations, you may consider asking for a second opinion.

A second opinion is when another doctor or healthcare professional is asked to review your diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. Many people find it gives them confidence and clarity.

Do you have a right to a second opinion?

The General Medical Council says doctors must respect a patient’s right to seek a second opinion.
However, you are not legally entitled to a second opinion on the NHS.

Even so, most doctors and GPs will support your request.

✅ What is Martha’s Rule?

Martha’s Rule is a new national patient safety initiative being introduced across England. It gives patients, families and carers the power to request an urgent review if someone in hospital is getting worse and they are worried.

Martha’s Rule is named after 13-year-old Martha Mills, who died from sepsis in 2021. Her parents repeatedly raised concerns about her deteriorating condition, but these concerns were not acted on.

A coroner later ruled Martha would likely have survived if her deterioration had been picked up and she had been moved to intensive care sooner.

How Martha’s Rule works

The rule will introduce three key changes:

Staff access: All NHS hospital staff must have 24/7 access to a critical care outreach team, who they can contact immediately if they are worried about a patient’s condition.

Family and patient access: Patients, their families, carers and advocates must also be able to contact the critical care outreach team directly, day or night. Information on how to do this should be clearly displayed in the hospital. They do not need to ask the current medical team first.

Listening to patients and families: Hospitals must introduce a routine system for gathering information from patients and families at least once a day about how the patient is feeling or whether they think things are getting worse. This will first apply to patients staying in acute and specialist hospitals.

Early results show this works:
Between September and October 2024, more than 573 calls were made by patients, carers and staff about deteriorating conditions. Half resulted in a clinical review and 14 people were urgently moved to intensive care.
Advice and Information

Staying informed while you wait for care

Many people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are facing long waits for planned treatment or investigations. This can feel frustrating, worrying and uncertain. But you still have rights while you wait — and local services should keep you informed and involved in decisions about your care.

Healthwatch England has published new advice to help you understand what you should expect if you’re waiting for NHS treatment.

What you should expect from your care provider:

Even if you are waiting for a long time, NHS staff must:

Keep you updated about what will happen next and when

Explain clearly and in plain language, without medical jargon

Tell you why delays or cancellations happen, and what your options are

Involve you in shared decision-making about your care

Provide advice on how to manage your health while waiting

Tell you who to contact if your condition changes or gets worse

These are not “nice-to-haves” — they are part of providing safe, respectful care.

Support for your mental wellbeing

Waiting for treatment can affect your mental health. Feeling anxious, low, or worried is very common:

Talk to someone you trust

Ask your GP about local mental health support

In urgent distress, contact Samaritans on 116 123

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999


Advice and Information